Human Development

Is complex General principles apply Knowledge aids developmentally appropriate leadership Physical Cognitive Social Moral

Piaget’s Theory Sensorimotor ( 0-2 yrs) Highly sensory Object permanence Preoperational (2-6 yrs) Language development Egocentric perspective Belief in animism

Piaget’s Theory Concrete operations (7-11 yrs) Classify and group objects Basic principles apply Logical reasoning Formal operations (11+ yrs) Gradual onset Problem solving abilities Hypothesis testing

Kohlberg: Moral Development

Kohlberg’s Stages 1 and 2 Early childhood Avoid punishment Fear = Obedience Authority figures rule Middle childhood Obtain reward Morality is a transaction

Kohlberg’s Stages 3 and 4 Adolescence Ponder place in society Desire social praise Consider intentions Look to moral barometers Young adulthood Desire to maintain social order Legal = Moral

Kohlberg’s Stages 5 and 6 Middle adulthood Greatest good for greatest number Consider welfare of society Adulthood (theoretical stage) Utilizes self-chosen principles Desires good of humanity Exemplifies high integrity

Morality Ethic of rights and justice “Male” viewpoint Everyone has the same rights Moral imperative: Treat all the same Ethic of care “Female” viewpoint Moral imperative: To care for others

Ethic of Care Value relationships Retain connections Dilemmas perceived through relationship lens Moral = Decisions that best serve the individuals involved

Gender and Development Feminine vs. masculine Traits most commonly attributed to one sex or the other Learned through: Media, peers, parents and play Stereotypes “Acceptable” behaviors for the sexes Expectations for behaviors constrain activities and involvement

Life Stages and Behavior Life stages Levels of maturity Similar age = Similar stage Not predictive Behavior Personal aspects Physical Cognitive Socioemotional Moral

Childhood Social construct Period to develop social self Begin to understand greater society Primary school years

Middle Childhood (5-7 years) Physical High energy Need for rest Enjoy chasing Cognitive Literal thinkers Active imaginations Socioemotional Poor social skills Bad liars Emotional swings Moral Hope for reward Authority = Morality

Leadership Implications Build in rest times Show attention Treat with love Follow basic behavior management techniques Minimize wait time

Older Childhood (8-11 years) Physical Active participation High energy Cognitive Practice logic “Why” questions Socioemotional Gender separation Self-perception Moral Reward Social approval

Leadership Implications Provide opportunities to practice skills Facilitate understanding of leader decisions Ensure positive adult attention Provide structured choices Encourage youth to try new things

Early Adolescence (12-14 yrs) Physical Energy balance Image importance Coordination well developed Cognitive Logic practice Hypothesis testing Socioemotional Peers important Seek independence Moral Understand actions Trust is important

Leadership Implications Provide opportunities to practice own leadership Try variety of leadership styles Model desired behaviors Lead for success Expect/Accept mood swings Be a mentor Show respect

Adolescence (15-17 years) Physical Puberty reached Specific skills Cognitive Idealistic view Problem solving Challenges Socioemotional Peer groups Learning own identity Questioning the future Moral Social approval Legal = Right

Leadership Implications Practice empathy Maintain high expectations Use open communication Share reasons for decisions Model values Provide skill instruction Address successes and failures

Young Adulthood (18-25 yrs) Physical Peak High activity Fitness concerns Cognitive Peak Complex thought Socioemotional Companion search Mixed relationships Personal identity Moral Greater society Social conscience

Leadership Implications Provide creative outlets Appeal to moral base Monitor and mediate behaviors Offer structured competition Ensure appropriate risk-taking

Middle Adulthood (26-40 yrs) Physical Slowing down Sedentary risk Finesse important Cognitive Mental challenges Aware of self Global perspective Socioemotional Child and parent concern Status importance Moral Legitimate authority Social contract

Leadership Implications Recognize the pull of family and work Be alert to diverse leisure preferences Use wide range of leadership styles Use open communication

Older Adulthood (41-60 years) Physical Abilities lessen Metabolism slows Cognitive Career focus Understand social issues Socioemotional Family is center Work-related stress Place in the world Moral Refining ethical standards

Leadership Implications Use variety in activities Nuances in strategies are valued Be aware of own and group member motivations Be aware of desired outcomes Leader = Facilitator

Seniors (61-74 years) Physical Health varies Sensory decline Arthritis common Cognitive Changes = Stress Slower thought processes Socioemotional Happy life stage Family is important Social isolation Financial issues Moral Ethics established Needs of others

Leadership Implications Recognize different abilities Facilitate social interaction Be respectful Recognize wisdom and experience Introduce new activities Facilitate events

Elderly (75+ years) Physical Overall decline Large variation Balance as issue Women live longer Cognitive Continued slowing Mental illness rises Socioemotional Isolation is common Financial stability Many live alone Moral Integrity established Needs of others

Leadership Implications Be aware of health issues Focus on individual capabilities Ensure social interaction Offer intergenerational experiences Enable independence Facilitate experiences